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Water Quality Report

Oconomowoc, WI

Waukesha County · 16,666 residents · 9 water systems

19

Contaminants detected

6

PFAS compounds

360

Hardness (mg/L)

0

Above legal limits

9

Above health guidelines

Oconomowoc drinking water comes from groundwater wells. Based on the most recent monitoring data, 19 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, and 15 others. PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels in Oconomowoc water. Water hardness is 360 mg/L (very hard), which can cause scale buildup in appliances and reduce soap effectiveness.

Contaminants detected in Oconomowoc water

Detection does not necessarily mean unsafe levels. See individual reports for concentrations and EPA limits.

Lead0.0068 / 0.015 mg/L
45% of EPA limit
Nitrate2.7 / 10 mg/L
27% of EPA limit
Arsenic0.0061 / 0.01 mg/L
61% of EPA limit
Copper820 / 1300 ug/L
63% of EPA limit
Radon111 pCi/L
UnregulatedRadionuclide
Radium2.1 / 5 pCi/L
41% of EPA limit
Uranium0.413 / 30 ug/L
1% of EPA limit
Gross Alpha Radiation5.1 / 15 pCi/L
34% of EPA limit
Total Trihalomethanes14.8 / 80 ug/L
19% of EPA limit
6% of EPA limit
Atrazine0.0081 / 3 ug/L
0% of EPA limit
Nickel0.0026 mg/L
UnregulatedInorganic
Selenium0.0021 / 0.05 mg/L
4% of EPA limit
Mercury (inorganic)0.000042 / 0.002 mg/L
2% of EPA limit
Barium0.17 / 2 mg/L
9% of EPA limit
Fluoride0.51 / 4 mg/L
13% of EPA limit
PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid)1.7 ng/L
UnregulatedPFAS
Methyl Tert Butyl Ether0.22 ug/L
Unregulated
PFBA (Perfluorobutanoic Acid)0.0054 ug/L
UnregulatedPFAS
PFAS (6 compounds detected)
Microplastics (not routinely tested)

Other cities in Waukesha County

Water quality reports for nearby Wisconsin communities.

Frequently asked questions

Is Oconomowoc, WI tap water safe to drink?
Oconomowoc tap water meets EPA legal standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels). However, 9 contaminants are present above independent health guidelines, which are often stricter than legal limits. 19 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, including Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Radon. View the detailed report for each water system to see specific levels and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
What contaminants are in Oconomowoc water?
Monitoring has detected 19 contaminants in Oconomowoc's water supply: Lead, Nitrate, Arsenic, Copper, Radon, Radium, Uranium, Gross Alpha Radiation, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Atrazine, Nickel, Selenium, Mercury (inorganic), Barium, Fluoride, PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid), Methyl Tert Butyl Ether, PFBA (Perfluorobutanoic Acid). Additionally, 6 PFAS compounds have been detected at trace levels. 9 exceed health guidelines. See individual system reports for concentrations relative to EPA limits.
Does Oconomowoc water have PFAS?
Yes. 6 PFAS compounds have been detected in Oconomowoc's water supply at trace levels. PFAS are sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment. The EPA has set Maximum Contaminant Levels for several PFAS compounds. View the detailed report for specific concentrations.
Is Oconomowoc water hard?
Yes. Oconomowoc water has a hardness of 360 mg/L (very hard). Hard water is not a health concern but can cause scale buildup in water heaters and appliances, reduce soap effectiveness, and leave mineral deposits. Water softeners or conditioning systems can address hardness.
Where does Oconomowoc get its drinking water?
Oconomowoc's drinking water comes from groundwater wells that draw from underground aquifers. The water is treated and tested according to Wisconsin DNR and EPA requirements before distribution. Oconomowoc is served by 9 water systems, the largest being OCONOMOWOC WATERWORKS (serving 15,805 people).

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